With content warnings such as “in complete darkness” and “not suitable if you are claustrophobic”, DARKFIELD’s latest immersive audio experience ARCADE really excited me. ARCADE lets you spend 30 minutes in a completely dark shipping container, transporting you to a different reality, using 360 degree binaural sounds and sensory effects. It immerses you in a story where you decide what happens through different choices you must make using your arcade machine buttons and coin slots.
Immersive theatre has always interested me and doing it complete darkness was even more enticing. Before entering the container we were given a list of warnings and time to decide whether the experience was too intense. We walked up to our own arcade machines and put on our headphones. The earphones made it feel as if someone was whispering in your ear or moving around the room next to you. Once in complete darkness, you felt yourself being immersed into the story. You start off as a character named MILK, who is living in a warzone and whose decisions will alter their chances of survival (I’m not going to give away any spoilers, however, I’ll let you know, I won the end prize).
The boundaries between performance and audience disappeared entirely. The events of the story are in the audience’s hands for an ephemeral experience, unique to each participant. I went with a friend and after we discussed the paths we took, where we discovered we both had completely different stories; she ended up on a date and I ended up at a dog fight. I’ve never experienced something like this at the Fringe before, where you are an active participant rather than a passive observer.
The tech of the container is fairly simple but extremely effective. As explained earlier, you are in complete darkness, standing in front of your arcade machine with 360 sound headphones on. Throughout the performance, depending on which paths you take, you may also be sprayed in the face, some air may puff out from your machine and you will be given tokens to help aid you in your quest. The whole concept is innovative but not terribly complicated.
I would highly recommend getting down Summerhall if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary this Fringe. It’s a rare and exciting departure from conventional theatre that pushes the boundaries of art. ARCADE by DARKFIELD offers an unforgettable adventure that stays with you long after you’ve left the container.
ARCADE is playing at various times from Aug 5-26 at Summerhall (Venue 26).
Theatre Scotland 
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